How to Make Lined Valances

Lined valances add a decorative touch to windows, whether they match the curtains or contrast in color and texture. Lining the valances gives more body and presents a uniform appearance to the outside. In this article, we will be using a window 36-inches wide by 64-inches long. The lined valance will be made with a rod pocket to be installed on a regular curtain rod.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Lining fabric
• Sewing machine
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Thread
• Iron
• Scissors
• Straight pins

How to Make Lined Valances

1. 
   Valance Hardware

   To fit a window 36-inches wide, this valance will be a finished length of 14 inches with double fullness. Cut the fabric 21-inches long (two pieces of 36-inch to 42-inch wide fabric). Cut the lining 18-inches long, and 3-inches narrower than the fabric. Cut two or more pieces of the lining fabric for the rod pocket 4-inches long to sew together to make a rod pocket the finished width of the valance. These pieces will be used for the rod pocket.

2. 
   Valance and Cafe Curtains

   Sew together the two pieces of fabric and press the seams open. Fold up the bottom edge of the fabric by 3 inches and press. Fold again by 3 inches and press and pin. This forms the bottom edge of the valance. Sew the hem.

3. Sew together the two pieces of the lining fabric. Press the seam open. Fold up 2 inches at the bottom of the lining and press; fold up 2 inches again, press and pin. Sew the hem in the lining. Lay the lining with right sides together on the fabric, even with the top edge. Trim the width of the lining if necessary. The lining fabric must be 3-inches narrower than the fabric. Sew the lining at the sides to the fabric. Adjust the sewn edges of your fabric so that an equal amount of fabric is at each side. The hem of the lining will be 1-inch above the bottom of the fabric.

4. Sew across the top of the valance. Turn the right sides out and press. The rod pocket will be sewn 1 1/2 inches from the top of the valance forming a ruffle. To make the rod pocket, fold and press the long edges, 1/2 inch on each side. Pin to the lined side of your valance measuring from the top down, 1 1/2 inches to the top folded edge of the rod pocket. Measure carefully--this must be straight to keep the top of your valance straight and uniform. Sew this seam, and at the ends of the rod pockets, fold in 1 inch. Sew the bottom seam of the rod pocket. Press your finished project.

5. Install the valance on the rod, adjusting fullness evenly.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, fringed or tasseled trim can be sewn at the bottom of the valance. For a valance without a top ruffle, the rod pocket can be sewn at the top of the valance.